21 July 2010Last updated at 05:13

Inside the global asbestos trade

Banned or restricted in 52 countries, asbestos use is growing quickly in developing countries like India. (Words and pictures by ICIJ)

Use of the toxic mineral in construction materials is increasing rapidly.

Migrant workers are hired to work asbestos mines in Andhra Pradesh, India. Many have little protection from the toxic fibres.

At an asbestos mine in Udaipur, India, the workers toil under dangerous conditions.

Health officials say many such workers are poorly protected from the lung-ravaging fibres.

Asia-Pacific